BigDataCloud Geocode vs IPWhois

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d53.9%100%
Uptime · 30d48.3%100%
P50 · ms19323
P95 · ms610598
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesno
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key may be required for production
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

BigDataCloud Geocode vs IPWhois: common questions

Which is more reliable, BigDataCloud Geocode or IPWhois?

On our scheduled checks, IPWhois leads on measured uptime — BigDataCloud Geocode at 53.9% versus IPWhois at 100% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Which is faster, BigDataCloud Geocode or IPWhois?

IPWhois has the lower median latency in our checks — BigDataCloud Geocode responds in 193 ms versus IPWhois at 23 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.

Do BigDataCloud Geocode and IPWhois need an API key?

BigDataCloud Geocode needs no key, while IPWhois requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for BigDataCloud Geocode first.

Can I call BigDataCloud Geocode and IPWhois from the browser?

Only BigDataCloud Geocode is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. IPWhois needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are BigDataCloud Geocode and IPWhois free for commercial use?

BigDataCloud Geocode has unclear commercial terms, and IPWhois has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.